The Family Reunion returns for its fifth year!
Middleburg, Virginia, Images Courtesy of Salamander
The Family Reunion, the immersive experience celebrating diversity in the hospitality community, returns for a fifth year this August 14 – 17 at Salamander Middleburg in Middleburg, VA.
Last year’s enriching programming was highlighted by some of the industry’s top talent including Carla Hall, Rodney Scott, Bryan Furman, Gregory Gourdet, Mashama Bailey and Tavel Bristol-Joseph and several surprise guests.
Presented by Chef and Author Kwame Onwuachi in collaboration with Dotdash Meredith’s FOOD & WINE and Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Collection, the multi-day event crosses culinary boundaries and combines thought-provoking panel discussions, topical cooking demonstrations, inspiring recreational activities and daily “family” meals where attendees and celebrity participants can interact. The annual event was lauded by guests and talent for its energetic and unique approach.
The mission of The Family Reunion is to nurture, develop and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity within the next generation of hospitality professionals.The countdown for Year Five of Downyears of bringing people together through the joy of food, discussions, and festive activities! We can’t wait to welcome you back to our annual #TheFamilyReunion at Salamander Middleburg, where friends become family 
From August 14-17, 2025 enjoy:
*Uplifting family-style meals
*Insightful panel discussions
*Immersive breakout sessions
*Vibrant evening events
Tickets are now on sale for this culinary celebration presented by Chef Kwame Onwuachi in collaboration with Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Collection and FOOD & WINE.
SECURE TICKETS & LEARN MORE: https://bit.ly/3xVncEd
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Martha’s Vineyard Black Book Festival 2025
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Join the celebration of Black literary excellence with author showcases, panel discussions, appetizers & refreshments.
The mission of MVBBF is to foster discussion, reflection, and celebration of Black authors and their literary works.
The MVBBF is located on the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard Island where Black families historically vacation each summer. This celebration is a unique opportunity for both aspiring and well-established Black authors in fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and children to support, share, and celebrate Black literary excellence.
Festival Date & Time:
Saturday, August 9, 2025
1 pm – 7 pm, Doors Open 12:30 pm
Theme: Lifting Black Voices of Wisdom, Inspiration and Perseverance
Author Panels, Fireside Chats, Appetizers & Refreshments
- Books for sale! Bunch of Grapes Bookstore present at the Festival
- MVBBF Tote Bag given with book purchase
- Book Signings
- Appetizers
Participating Authors
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
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2025 Participating Authors with Book Signings
Malcolm D. Lee
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Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.
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Tara Roberts
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Carole Hopson
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Tiffany L. Warren
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Wayne Dawkins
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Jimmie James
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Clarence A. Haynes
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Karida L. Brown
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John B. King, Jr.
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Dr. Uché Blackstock, MD
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Monique Rodriguez
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Alencia Johnson
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John Conyers III
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Juanita Tolliver
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Tamika D. Mallory
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Reverend Liz Walker
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Nichole Austion
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Tameka Mitchell
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Stephanie Browne
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Kiano Moju
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Speakers
Tamira Chapman
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Porscha Burke
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- Moderators
Traci Wilkes Smith
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Walter Pryor
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Victoria Christopher Murray
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Dr. Monica Page
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April Ryan
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Derek Lewis
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Nicole Carr
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Anita Kopacz
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Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon
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Tamika Christy
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Jordan Hernandez
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BND Institute of Media & Culture 